Three-Week Eastern European Adventure: Bulgaria, Romania, and Serbia

Day 1: Explore Sofia

Sofia, Bulgaria on May 9, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Rainbow Factory

Start your day with fresh coffee and delicious pastries at Rainbow Factory, a popular spot blending art and cuisine.
BGL20, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Explore the iconic Orthodox cathedral with stunning neo-Byzantine architecture and rich history.
BGL10, 1h0m

12:00pm

Walk along Vitosha Boulevard

Enjoy the bustling pedestrian street full of shops, cafes, and street artists, perfect for people-watching.
Free, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Made in Home

Taste authentic Bulgarian dishes with a modern twist at this cozy and highly rated local restaurant.
BGL30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit the National History Museum

Discover Bulgaria’s rich history through extensive exhibits including Thracian treasures, open Tue-Sun 10am-5:30pm.
BGL15, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Hadjidraganov's Houses

Dine on traditional Bulgarian cuisine in a charming, rustic setting with live folk music.
BGL40, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Sofia to Plovdiv

Sofia to Plovdiv, Bulgaria on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Fabrika Daga

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with local ingredients in a trendy atmosphere to fuel up for the day.
BGL20, 1h0m

9:30am

Travel to Plovdiv by train

Take a scenic 2-hour train ride east to Bulgaria’s second-largest city, known for its Roman ruins and vibrant old town.
BGL15, 2h0m

12:00pm

Check-in and lunch at Pavaj

Settle into your accommodation then enjoy lunch at Pavaj, famous for Bulgarian and European fusion dishes.
BGL30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis

Visit this remarkably preserved Roman theatre offering great views and insight into the city’s Roman past.
BGL10, 1h0m

3:30pm

Wander Old Plovdiv

Stroll cobbled streets with colorful houses, galleries, and craft shops in the old town’s charming district.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hemingway Restaurant

Enjoy a fine dining experience with Mediterranean and Bulgarian dishes served indoors or on the terrace.
BGL45, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Plovdiv to Veliko Tarnovo

Plovdiv to Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria on May 11, 2025

7:30am

Early breakfast at The Little Things

Kick off your day with home-baked goods and excellent coffee before heading out.
BGL15, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive or bus to Veliko Tarnovo

Travel approximately 3 hours north to Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s medieval capital famed for its fortress and scenic views.
BGL25, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Shtastliveca Restaurant

Dine on traditional Bulgarian fare while enjoying panoramic views of the Yantra River.
BGL35, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Tsarevets Fortress

Explore this medieval fortress and learn about Bulgaria’s history, open daily 9am-6pm.
BGL10, 2h0m

5:00pm

Leisure time in the old town

Relax in the charming old town with its cobbled streets, craft shops, and cafes.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The View Restaurant

Enjoy local and Balkan cuisine with stunning views over the fortress illuminated at night.
BGL40, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Veliko Tarnovo to Bucharest

Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria to Bucharest, Romania on May 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Yapancha

Start with a Japanese-Bulgarian fusion breakfast at this unique local spot.
BGL20, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive or bus to Bucharest

Make an approximate 4-hour journey north crossing into Romania to Romania’s capital city, Bucharest.
RON50, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Caru' cu Bere

Fill up with hearty Romanian dishes in this iconic historic brewery and beer hall in Old Town.
RON60, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Palace of the Parliament

Tour the world’s second largest administrative building, with guided tours daily 10am-4pm.
RON30, 1h30m

4:30pm

Stroll through Old Town (Lipscani District)

Discover narrow streets filled with cafes, shops, churches, and vibrant nightlife.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hanu’ Berarilor

Enjoy traditional Romanian cuisine and craft beers at this rustic and lively local tavern.
RON50, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Bucharest to Brașov

Bucharest to Brașov, Romania on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Origo Coffee Shop

Fuel up with excellent coffee and light bites in a popular specialty café.
RON25, 1h0m

9:30am

Train to Brașov

Travel about 2.5 hours by train on a scenic route to the picturesque city of Brașov in Transylvania.
RON30, 2h30m

12:00pm

Check-in and lunch at Bistro de l’Arte

Enjoy modern Romanian dishes with local ingredients in a cozy setting near the Black Church.
RON40, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Black Church

Explore this Gothic-style church, the largest of its kind in Romania, open 10am-5pm.
RON15, 1h0m

3:30pm

Walk Tampa Mountain

Hike or take a cable car up Tampa Mountain for panoramic views of Brașov and the Carpathians.
RON20, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sergiana

Savor traditional Transylvanian and Romanian dishes at a well-loved local restaurant.
RON45, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Day trip to Bran Castle

Brașov to Bran (Day Trip), Romania on May 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Noir

Grab a European-style breakfast and great pastries before your day trip.
RON20, 1h0m

9:00am

Transfer to Bran Castle

Take the 40-minute drive or bus to the famous Bran Castle, often linked to the Dracula legend.
RON35, 40m

10:00am

Visit Bran Castle

Explore the castle’s medieval rooms, artifacts, and views, open daily 9am-6pm.
RON40, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Casa din Bran

Enjoy hearty Romanian dishes in this charming restaurant just near the castle.
RON40, 1h0m

2:00pm

Return to Brașov & Visit Council Square

Walk around the historic heart of Brașov with colorful buildings and lively cafes.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at La Ceaun & La Taifas

Taste traditional Romanian dishes with a warm, cozy ambiance near the city center.
RON40, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Brașov to Sibiu

Brașov to Sibiu, Romania on May 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kaffe Wien

Enjoy coffee and fresh baked goods to start your day before travel.
RON20, 1h0m

9:30am

Travel to Sibiu by train

Journey approximately 2.5 hours west to Sibiu, a charming city known for its medieval architecture.
RON35, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Crama Sibiul Vechi

Sample traditional Romanian meals in a rustic cellar restaurant known for good wine selection.
RON40, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Large Square and Small Square

Wander the beautiful central squares with pastel buildings, restaurants, and historic sites.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Visit Brukenthal Palace

Tour this baroque palace and art museum, open Tue-Sun 10am-5pm.
RON25, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kulinarium

Enjoy contemporary and traditional Romanian dishes in a stylish setting near the old town.
RON50, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Sibiu to Cluj-Napoca

Sibiu to Cluj-Napoca, Romania on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Wien

Start your day with a classic coffee and pastry combo in the city center.
RON20, 1h0m

9:30am

Train to Cluj-Napoca

Travel approximately 3 hours north to Cluj-Napoca, a vibrant university city rich in history.
RON40, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Baracca

Savor modern Romanian cuisine and international flavors in this acclaimed bistro.
RON55, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit St. Michael's Church

Admire this impressive Gothic-style church in the city’s main square, open daily.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Walk Central Park (Parcul Central)

Relax in one of Cluj’s green spaces featuring lakes and walking paths.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Casa Boema

Experience a cozy atmosphere with traditional Romanian dishes and local wines.
RON50, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Cluj-Napoca to Belgrade

Cluj-Napoca, Romania to Belgrade, Serbia on May 17, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at Victor Babes

Grab a quick but tasty breakfast before the longer travel day ahead.
RON20, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel to Belgrade by bus

Take a roughly 6-hour bus ride southwest crossing into Serbia to its capital city, Belgrade.
EUR25, 6h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Manufaktura

Enjoy Serbian cuisine with a modern twist in a lively setting near Kalemegdan Park.
RSD2000, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Kalemegdan Fortress

Explore Belgrade’s historic fortress and park offering great views of the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Tri Šešira

Dine on traditional Serbian food accompanied by live folk music in the bohemian Skadarlija district.
RSD2500, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Discover Belgrade

Belgrade, Serbia on May 18, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Kafeterija

Enjoy specialty coffee and fresh pastries in this relaxed café to start your day.
RSD700, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Church of Saint Sava

Tour one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world, noted for its impressive dome and mosaics.
Free, 1h0m

11:30am

Walk along Knez Mihailova Street

Explore the main pedestrian street lined with shops, galleries, and cafés in downtown Belgrade.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Lorenzo & Kakalamba

Indulge in eclectic décor and hearty Serbian-Italian fusion dishes.
RSD2000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Museum of Yugoslavia

Learn about Yugoslav history and culture featuring the Tomb of Tito, open daily 10am-5pm.
RSD500, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Klub Književnika

Savor traditional Serbian cuisine in a historic and literary atmosphere.
RSD2500, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Belgrade to Novi Sad

Belgrade to Novi Sad, Serbia on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kafeterija

Start your day with great coffee and freshly baked goods.
RSD700, 1h0m

9:30am

Train or bus to Novi Sad

Travel 1.5 hours north to Novi Sad, known for its vibrant cultural scene and Petrovaradin Fortress.
RSD600, 1h30m

11:00am

Check-in and lunch at Project 72 Wine & Deli

Delight in regional wines paired with local cheeses and Mediterranean light dishes.
RSD1500, 1h0m

1:00pm

Visit Petrovaradin Fortress

Explore the fortress with its tunnels, museums, and spectacular Danube views, open daily.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Walk the city center

Stroll through the charming city square and nearby pedestrian streets with shops and cafés.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Fish & Zelenish

Enjoy fresh fish and seasonal vegetable dishes in a cozy and modern setting.
RSD2000, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Novi Sad to Niš

Novi Sad to Niš, Serbia on May 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Gradska Kafana

Have a classic Serbian breakfast in this charming town café.
RSD600, 1h0m

9:00am

Travel to Niš by train or bus

Take a 3-4 hour journey southeast to Niš, known for Roman history and vibrant nightlife.
RSD1000, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Pekara Stari Grad

Taste local specialties and fresh baked breads in a popular bakery and café.
RSD800, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Niš Fortress

Explore this well-preserved fortress and its scenic surroundings, open daily.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Tour Skull Tower (Ćele Kula)

See the unique and somber monument built with human skulls from the 19th century, open until dusk.
RSD200, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Tinkers Arms Pub

Relax with hearty Serbian dishes and local beers in an inviting pub atmosphere.
RSD1800, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 13: Niš and Departure

Niš, Serbia on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Le Petit Café

Enjoy freshly brewed coffee and light breakfast pastries to start your last day.
RSD700, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Mediana Archeological Site

Explore the remains of a Roman imperial villa and nearby museums, open 9am-4pm.
RSD300, 2h0m

12:00pm

Relax at Tini Beer Co

Sample local craft beers and light snacks in a lively brewery atmosphere.
RSD1000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Prepare for departure

Return to your accommodation for packing and travel plans.
Free, Rest of day
View Hotel Availability